U.S. Figure Skating Basic
Skills Program
As a member of United
States Figure Skating (USFS), FSCO runs a "U.S. Figure Skating
Basic Skills Program" consisting of a comprehensive lesson/test
structure. This program is fantastic because it offers new and existing
skaters a chance to work in groups with professional coaches in
a safe and fun environment. FSCO offers these Learn-To-Skate classes
year-round at Motto McLean Ice Arena.
The Objectives of this Program
are:
-To provide a fun and safe
skating experience for the beginner as well as the more advanced
skater
-To teach correct technique of the basic elements of skating.
-To develop a finer degree of coordination and balance
-To promote physical fitness.
-To have fun!
Learn-To-Skate Levels:
Learn-To-Skate classes are
divided into two parts:
Thirty minutes group instruction
focusing on the elements for the particular level as set forth by
the USFS.
Thirty minutes supervised practice
time when the skater can work on the elements on an individual basis
or with friends.
The following is an example
of how the classes are set up:
All skaters skating with us
for the first time are put into Basic 1.
A nametag is given to each
skater so they know what level and coach they are to attend with
that session. Nametags must be returned to the registration desk
at the end of each class period.
When a level has more then
10 skaters, the group is then divided by age.
Skaters are tested during the
middle and end of each session (i.e. Week #4 and Week #8 if it’s
an 8 week session) by their coach they are in class with. Please
note that not every skater will pass through a level each session.
Improvements vary by skater.
The Skating Director keeps
track of skater’s progress and will offer options to skaters that
may need additional assistance.
FSCO offers many choices
in our group class programs (click on one for more detail)
General Information
Instructors & Apprentices:
The Figure Skating Club of
Omaha Learn to Skate coaching staff are all highly qualified members
of the Professional Skaters Association (PSA). We also utilize helpers
that are accomplished skaters or apprentice coaches and registered
volunteers if we feel a certain class warrants extra adult supervision.
You have a chance to meet your
skater’s coach after each class or during special coach/parent conferences
during the 5th week of each session. This is a great opportunity
to learn about your skaters progress, ask questions, or find out
about special skating events such as ice shows, competitions, or
private lessons.
We are a year-round program.
We offer classes Mondays and Saturdays at Motto McLean Ice Arena.
All classes will be tested for proficiency at each level by qualified
personnel. Testing will be scheduled at the mid-point and end of
each session. This allows each student to progress from one level
to the next at his/her own pace. Also skaters will be given the
opportunity to show off the skills they are learning throughout
the year. We hold our Winterfest competition in January, Ice Shows
in May and November, and other exhibitions throughout the season.
We recommend that all students have additional practice time during
the week. Progress will be greater with more practice. Figure Skating
Club of Omaha offers additional ice time for this. FSCO also offers
private lessons to all skaters at all levels.
Registration
The FSCO registration “skating
year” begins September 1st and ends August 31st. The $15 fee is
due annually by all skaters in our group program. This fee will
go to the USFS where we gain all of our skating materials. You can
register at any time but this fee must be paid by you once a “skating
year” to be in our program. (Example: If you join our program in
January, you must pay the fee which then expires August 31st.)
Skaters receive two things during their skating session:
1. A USFS Basic Membership
Card. This is necessary to participate in lessons and tests associated
with the program, compete in Basic Skills competitions or Basic
Skills portions of regular USFS invitational competitions.
2. Basic Skills Record Book.
This is designed to help chart the skater’s progress in the Skate
With U.S. Program.
Testing
Skaters in our program are
tested during the middle and end of each session (i.e. Week #4 and
Week #8 if it’s an 8 week session). Please note that not every skater
will pass through a level each session. Improvements vary by skater.
The Skating Director keeps
track of skater’s progress and will offer options to skaters that
may need additional assistance.
The skater will receive a testing
form following the test. It indicates "Pass" or "Retry.
This form must be turned into the Registration Desk to receive a
badge and certificate. Badges are given for each level passed for
$1.00 and certificates are complimentary.
Skaters that pass a level during
the middle of a Learn-To-Skate session (i.e. Week #4) will be moved
up to the next level of skills immediately. This will encourage
quicker progress through each level.
Program Policies
Missed Classes
FSCO does not issue credit
for classes missed by a skater. If your skater has missed a class
due to sickness or travel, we do offer make-up classes to skaters.
The skater may make-up the missed class at our other scheduled classes,
but only during the current session. The make-up class may not be
carried over to a new session. Notification of the make-up date
must be scheduled prior to make-up.
The FSCO Learn to Skate Program
follows the Omaha Public School winter weather cancellation policy.
If OPS cancels school due to winter weather, FSCO will not hold
classes that day. Notification for Saturday class cancellation will
be announced on the major television channels and on the FSCO club
information line. We do not offer make up classes or refunds
for weather related cancellations.
Club Information Line-896-5747
Structure
Parents are not allowed on
the ice unless they are enrolled in our program as an adult skater.
Likewise, we ask that you sit in the lobby area to watch the lessons
and do not stand in the doorway by the ice surface. If you need
to talk to your skater’s instructor, please contact the registration
table volunteers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know how my child
is doing in their lessons?
Each child is placed in one
of eight skill levels. As new skating skills are acquired,
your child will be tested (asked to demonstrate the skills for a
level). Successful testing earns your child a colored
badge to purchase and a certificate. You can meet your skating coach
after class or during conferences we set up during the 5th week
of each session.
What can I do to help my child
move through the levels faster?
There are several ways to provide
extra practice and/or lessons for your child.
Equipment: Make sure your child is in properly fitted rental skates
or ask us where to purchase figure skates for beginners.
Public Sessions: Self-lead
practice during public rink time.
Club Ice: Self-lead or instructor-lead
practice time during FSCO club ice.
Private Lessons: Instructor-lead
individual lesson during FSCO club ice time. Contact the Learn to
Skate Director, registration desk or a specific coach for this information.
What is offered once my child
completes the Learn-to-Skate Program?
We offer private lessons (competitive
or recreational) or other group programs for more advanced skaters
(i.e. Skills class, stroking class, stretch class, etc.). FSCO also
offers annual ice shows, basic skills competitions, and other exhibitions
that your skater may participate in.
Who provides private lessons?
Contact our Skating Director
or any of the coaches listed on our site for information on when/where
they offer lessons and for their lesson rates. If you are considering
private lessons for the first time, we offer an “Introduction To
Private Lesson” program that offers lessons at a substantial discount.
When can my child compete or
perform a public exhibition of their achievements?
FSCO co-hosts spectacular ice
shows for Learn-To-Skate levels and higher each May and November. For
the basic skills skaters it is a wonderful opportunity for them
to show family and friends the results of their hard work.
There are also many local competitions
coaches go to with skaters where they showcase skating routines
both to music and without music. You must be in private lessons
to participate in an event such as this.
Where do your coaches come
from?
Please visit our coaches page
to read about our highly qualified and experienced professional
staff.
We hope this provides you some basic understanding of our program
and what it consists of. If you would like more information
about our programs please contact us at 402-896-5747. We will see
you on the ice!
Skating Levels
Snow
Plow Sam 1-3
This is our “Tot” program designed for 3-5 year olds. Skaters
will learn beginning skating skills along with improved coordination
and listening skills in a fun, game filled, play atmosphere!
Basic Skills
1 -8
Eight carefully planned levels allow the beginning skater
to feel comfortable on the ice while gaining the basic skating knowledge
needed to advance to any of the next levels of the Skate With U.S.
program. These basic elements are critical for all skating disciplines,
including figure skating, hockey, speed skating, and recreational.
Some examples of the elements taught are: snow plow stops, forward
and backward skating, basic turns, beginning jumps, and spins. After
passing a level, skaters will receive a certificate and may purchase
a badge that signifies their test level.
Freeskate 1-6
After completing the Basic Skills program skaters are eligible
to enter Freeskate classes. This provides the skaters a group class
emphasizing figure skating disciplines. Class time is divided between
Moves in the Field, Freestyle, and Ice Dancing. The freestyle portion
will teach the skater single jumps, jump combinations, basic spins,
spin combinations, and footwork sequences. Field moves teaches skaters
more awareness of edges, and balance while Dance will teach rhythm
and timing.
Adult Classes
Skating isn't just for the
kids. We offer adult learn to skate classes during the same class
time as our child group classes. These classes will teach the skills
necessary to join and adult hockey club, participate in adult competition,
or recreational skating to keep up with your kids! |
